RIVERSDALE - The Riversdale Youth Zone was officially launched on Friday 31 March with various guests attending the ceremony.
The guest list included Lovelife, SAPS, various community organisations in Riversdale, hospital and clinic staff, guest speakers as well as learners from various community schools.
The programme director, Victoria Jacobs, introduced Father Michaels from Apostolic Faith Mission (AGS) Riversdale, who opened the day with a prayer. A youth dance group, The next gen gave a moving contemporary dance item.
Then dr Gideon van Tonder (Medical Manager: Hessequa) also shared a few words after which sister Gerthlin Daries shared the Youth Zone's vision and mission as well as the services it will provide.
Gerrit du Plessis Secondary School drama and cultural group entertained the crowd with a dynamic and boisterous drama skit.
Resilience, faith in God, and teamwork was the theme of the guest speaker, Marle Diniz's message. She suffers from degenerative blindness caused by Stargardt Disease. This inspirational individual and accomplished athlete has competed on an international level and even at the Olympics with less than 5% vision. She was a stirring example of dedication, resilience, and faith.
Nathaniel Petersen, from LoveLife, a valuable contributor to this venture, also gave some insight into their contributions and functioning in the communities across the nation.
The Panorama
Primary School choir reminded the guests that it starts with The man in the mirror and gave a beautiful rendition of this famous track.
The Panorama Primary School choir gave a beautiful rendition of the famous song The man in the mirror.
The audience was asked to move to the Youth Zone for the official ribbon cutting and grand opening. An old garage space was transformed into a colourful sanctuary for the youth.
With the ribbon officially cut by dr Gideon van Tonder and the primary health care manager, sister Elizabeth Braaf, everyone were invited inside to take a peak into this new space. Various information boards and pamphlets were available.
The event was officially closed by sister Jo-Anne Louw.
Refreshments were served and everyone gathered under the tent while Layla Abrahams, from Langenhoven High School, ended the day with a powerful yet inspiring song.
Smooth operator. Programme director Victoria Jacobs made sure everything ran like clockwork.
Sister Ghertlin Daries sharing the Youth Zone's vision and mission with guests.
Jo-anne Benjamin (right) presented entertaining and motivational guest speaker, Marlé Diniz (left), from Riversdal Spar, with a special gift.
Some of the guests who attended the opening of the Youth Zone.
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